Bar Startup Cost Comparison

Duluth, MN vs Chicago, IL

Duluth, MN

$77,000 - $310,000

COL Index: 93

VS

Chicago, IL

$100,000 - $409,000

COL Index: 107.8

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Duluth, MN Chicago, IL Difference
Business Registration & Liquor License
$2,000 - $15,000 $5,600 - $15,000 -17%
Commercial Lease (First + Last + Security)
$6,300 - $36,500 $17,600 - $102,700 -64%
Bar Equipment & Fixtures
$15,000 - $60,000 $15,000 - $60,000 Same
Initial Liquor & Beverage Inventory
$8,000 - $25,000 $8,000 - $25,000 Same
Interior Build-Out & Renovation
$22,500 - $90,000 $28,800 - $115,000 -22%
Sound System & Security
$5,000 - $25,000 $5,000 - $25,000 Same
Business Insurance (Annual)
$4,000 - $12,000 $4,000 - $12,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$14,000 - $46,500 $16,200 - $53,900 -14%
Total Estimated Cost $77,000 - $310,000 $100,000 - $409,000 -24%

Local Market Factors

Factor Duluth Chicago
Cost of Living Index 93 107.8
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $10 - $22 $25 - $65
Labor Rate Index 0.9 1.15
Sales Tax 8.875% 10.25%
Minimum Wage $10.85/hr $15.80/hr
LLC Filing Fee $155 $150

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